Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft and bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfect for a refreshing treat. Made with a blend of lemon zest and juice, they are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, slightly crisp coating. Quick to prepare and bake, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet buttery goodness.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Coating
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then stir in the vanilla and lemon extracts to add depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even mix for proper leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Fold in the fresh lemon zest and juice gently to infuse the dough with bright citrus notes.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to create a sweet, slightly crisp exterior.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets spaced apart, then slightly flatten each with the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft, signaling a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For an extra lemony flavor, add additional lemon zest to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, soft lemon cookies, baked lemon cookies, citrus cookies, cookie recipe